Telescoping lock mechanism

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure may include a leg comprising first and second tubes, the first tube inside of the second tube, a lock mechanism within the second tube, the lock mechanism including a plug, a ramp, and bearings configured to roll along the ramp and contact the ramp and at least an interior wall of the first tube such that as the one or more bearings contact the ramp and the interior wall of the first tube, motion of the second tube relative to the first tube is inhibited, and a third tube inside of the second tube, and in response to the third tube being substantially disposed within the second tube, a proximate end of the third tube configured to push the one or more bearings towards the plug, reducing the interference of the one or more bearings with the interior wall of the first tube.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/886,692, filed Feb. 1, 2018, and titled “TELESCOPING LOCK MECHANISM,”which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/860,684,filed Sep. 21, 2015, and titled “TELESCOPING LOCK MECHANISM,” whichclaims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/053,511, filedSep. 22, 2014, and titled “ADJUSTABLE BIPOD,” all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed in the present disclosure are related to alock mechanism and an adjustable bipod.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include atelescoping leg including a first tube that is slidably disposed insideof a second tube. The telescoping leg may also include a lock mechanismdisposed within the second tube. The lock mechanism may include a plugand a ramp that includes a first ramp end that is coupled to the plugand a second ramp end that is opposite to and has a wider diameter thanthe first ramp end. The telescoping leg may also include one or morebearings configured to roll along the ramp and sized to contact the rampand at least an interior wall of the first tube through one or morecorresponding openings in the second tube as the one or more bearingsapproach the second ramp end. As the one or more bearings contact theramp and the interior wall of the first tube, interference of the one ormore bearings with the interior wall of the first tube may substantiallyinhibit motion of the second tube relative to the first tube. Thetelescoping leg may also include a third tube with a proximate endproximate the second tube and a distal end away from the second tube.The third tube may be slidably disposed inside of the second tube, andin response to the third tube being substantially disposed within thesecond tube, the proximate end of the third tube may push the one ormore bearings towards the plug, reducing the interference of the one ormore bearings with the interior wall of the first tube.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are given as examples and areexplanatory and are not restrictive of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example embodiment of anadjustable bipod;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of an example embodiment of a self-lockingtelescopic leg;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of an upper portion of aself-locking telescopic leg;

FIG. 4a illustrates a first example embodiment of a first middle portionof a self-locking telescopic leg;

FIG. 4b illustrates a second example embodiment of a first middleportion of a self-locking telescopic leg;

FIG. 5a illustrates a first example embodiment of a second middleportion of a self-locking telescopic leg;

FIG. 5b illustrates a second example embodiment of a second middleportion of a self-locking telescopic leg;

FIG. 6a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first example embodimentof a lock mechanism of a middle portion of the self-locking telescopicleg;

FIG. 6b illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second exampleembodiment of a lock mechanism of a middle portion of the self-lockingtelescopic leg;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a lower portion of aself-locking telescopic leg;

FIG. 8a illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of alock mechanism of a lower portion of a self-locking telescopic leg in anunlock configuration;

FIG. 8b illustrates another view of a first example embodiment of a lockmechanism of a lower portion of a self-locking telescopic leg in anunlock configuration;

FIG. 8c illustrates a view of a second example embodiment of a lockmechanism of a lower portion of a self-locking telescopic leg in anunlock configuration;

FIG. 9a illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a torso ofan adjustable bipod;

FIG. 9b illustrates a back view of an example embodiment of a torso ofan adjustable bipod;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example configuration of an adapter;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example configuration of a connection block;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example configuration of a release button;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example configuration of an axle block;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example configuration of an axle assembly;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example configuration of articulating pelvicblocks;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example configuration of a spreader pin and ring;

FIG. 17 illustrates an example configuration of a hip block; and

FIG. 18 illustrates an example configuration of a pelvic block and a hipblock.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

People often rely on telescoping support devices such as monopods,bipods, and tripods to maintain an object in a steady position whileperforming tasks. These support devices may be used to provide easieraccess to materials, comfortable accommodations, or stability whileperforming precise maneuvers. For example, such telescoping supportdevices may be used to keep a firearm, a camera, binoculars, amonocular, a scope, etc. steady. For example, an individual may use amonopod, bipod, or tripod while aiming a firearm to increase accuracy ofa shot.

A problem associated with some bipods is that they may only work in arelatively limited height range. A limited height range may beinadequate for a variety of reasons. For example, an individual may wishto use the bipod while standing, sitting, or lying down and a limitedheight range may not allow for such a large range of use. As such, anindividual may purchase multiple bipods, each configured with adifferent height range, and interchange among the bipods as required fora given situation. For example, when the individual intends to use thesupported object near to the ground, one bipod may be used. When theindividual wishes to revert to a sitting position, the individual mayneed to use a different bipod in place of the first bipod. Additionallyor alternatively, some bipods may be cumbersome to adjust the length ofthe legs and/or to lock the legs in position.

Additionally, if a bipod is being used on uneven ground, a supportsurface of the bipod that may be configured to connect to the supportedobject may not be level with the ground, which may then hinder theability of the individual to use the supported object. In addition, itmay be necessary to move the bipod along with the supported object. Longor unwieldy legs may necessitate detaching the supported object from thebipod and later reattaching them. Such a process of detaching andreattaching is often cumbersome, especially when speed is of theessence. For example, when a hunter is attempting to hunt prey, a steadyfirearm can be beneficial. If the prey begins to flee and the hunterwishes to pursue, a large attached bipod may render the movements of thehunter less effective or ineffective, for example, by catching brush orother vegetation. In light of the above, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure, an adjustable bipod may beconfigured in a manner to be easily adjusted to a variety of heights,provide a level support surface, be quickly attached and detached fromthe supported object, and be easily transported along with the supportedobject.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example embodiment of anadjustable bipod 100. The adjustable bipod 100 may include twoself-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b and a torso 120. Each ofthe self-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b may be independentlyextended or retracted, which may allow a user to achieve a target heightfor the supported object in a variety of terrains. Each of theself-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b may be configured to befreely extendible, may include a lock mechanism to prevent or restrictunintentional retraction, and may include a mechanism to allow theretraction of the self-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b.

The torso 120 may be configured to provide a connecting interfacebetween the self-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b and may also beconfigured to receive an object that may be supported by the adjustablebipod 100. The torso 120 may be configured to allow the angle betweenthe self-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b to change when they arein the deployed position. The torso 120 may also be configured to allowthe supported object to rotate or be locked in a target rotationalposition, for example, a rotation such that the supported object islevel during use. The torso 120 may be configured to allow the object tobe quickly attached to the torso 120 and quickly removed from the torso120. The self-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b and the torso 120may be configured to allow the self-locking telescopic legs 110 a and110 b to be in a deployed position, a forward-facing position, or arearward-facing position, or any other position. For example, theself-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b may be configured to rotateindependently in nearly any direction relative to the torso 120.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the adjustablebipod 100 of FIG. 1 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. As another example, the torso 120 may take any form orfeature to enable a supported device such as a firearm, a camera,binoculars, a monocular, a scope, etc. or other supported object to beremovably coupled to the adjustable bipod 100. Additionally, the visualdepiction of the adjustable bipod 100 of FIG. 1 is for example purposesof describing principles of some embodiments of the present disclosureand is not limiting. Any number of visual appearances of an adjustablebipod 100 are still within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of an example embodiment of a self-lockingtelescopic leg 110, such as the self-locking telescopic legs 110 aand/or 110 b of FIG. 1 (referred to hereinafter as the “leg” 110). Theleg 110 may include an upper portion 210 and a lower portion 240. Theleg 110 may include any number of middle portions 220 and 230. In theillustrated embodiment, the leg 110 is depicted as including two middleportions, a first middle portion 220 and a second middle portion 230,however the leg 110 may include any number of middle portions includingno middle portions in which the lower portion 240 is directly adjacentto the upper portion 210. The upper portion 210 may have a largercross-sectional area than the first middle portion 220, allowing thefirst middle portion 220 to slide inside of the upper portion 210. Thefirst middle portion 220 may have a larger cross-sectional area than thesecond middle portion 230, allowing the second middle portion 230 toslide inside of the first middle portion 220. The second middle portion230 may have a larger cross-sectional area than the lower portion 240,allowing the lower portion 240 to slide inside of the second middleportion 230. However, the reverse may also be true. The upper portion210 may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the first middleportion 220, allowing the upper portion 210 to slide inside of the firstmiddle portion 220. The first middle portion 220 may have a smallercross-sectional area than the second middle portion 230, allowing thefirst middle portion 220 to slide inside of the second middle portion230. The second middle portion 230 may have a smaller cross-sectionalarea than the lower portion 240, allowing the second middle portion 230to slide inside of the lower portion 240. The upper portion 210, thefirst middle portion 220, and the second middle portion 230 may eachinclude a collar assembly, such as collar assemblies 250 a, 250 b, and250 c, respectively, that may be configured to prevent or restrict theleg portions from separating. The leg portions 210, 220, 230, and 240may each include a tube 262, 264, 266, and 268, respectively.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the self-lockingtelescopic leg 110 of FIG. 2 without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. For example, the leg 110 may include any number ofmiddle portions, including no middle portions. Additionally, the visualdepiction of the self-locking telescopic leg 110 of FIG. 2 is forexample purposes of describing principles of some embodiments of thepresent disclosure and is not limiting. Any number of visual appearancesof a leg 110 are still within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of an upper portion 210 of aself-locking telescopic leg, such as the leg 110 of FIG. 2. The upperportion 210 of the leg may include a tube 262, which may be coupled to ahip block 330 (described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS.9a and 9b ). The tube 262 may be a straight cylinder as depicted in FIG.3 or it may have any other cross-sectional shape and/or longitudinalcurvature. A wiper 310 may be placed at one end of the tube 262, with agasket 315 placed surrounding the wiper 310. The gasket 315 and wiper310 may be placed inside a collar 320, which may be attached to one endof the tube 262. The wiper 310, gasket 315, and collar 320 may form acollar assembly 250 a that may be configured to prevent or restrict theupper portion 210 and an adjacent middle portion, such as the firstmiddle portion 220 of FIG. 2, from separating. Alternatively oradditionally, any other mechanism could be used to prevent or restrictthe leg portions from separating.

The tube 262 may be sized and/or configured to receive one or more otherportions of the leg. For example, the tube 262 may be sized such thatother portions of the leg may at least partially be slid or disposedwithin the tube 262.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the upper portion210 of FIG. 3 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, the upper portion 210 may include any number ofmiddle portions, including no middle portions. Additionally, the visualdepiction of the upper portion 210 is for example purposes of describingprinciples of some embodiments of the present disclosure and is notlimiting. Any number of visual appearances of an upper portion arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4a and 4b depict example embodiments of a first middle portion 220of a self-locking telescopic leg, such as the leg 110 of FIG. 2. FIGS.4a and 4b also illustrate first and second example embodiments of a lockdevice, 475 a and 475 b, respectively. The first middle portion 220 mayinclude a tube 264, such as the tube 264 of FIG. 2. The tube 264 may bea straight cylinder as depicted in FIG. 4a or it may have any othercross-sectional shape and/or longitudinal curvature. A wiper 410 may beplaced at one end of the tube 264, with a gasket 415 placed surroundingthe wiper 410. The gasket 415 and wiper 410 may be placed inside acollar 420, which may be attached to one end of the tube 264. The wiper410, gasket 415, and collar 420 may form a collar assembly 250 b thatmay be configured to prevent or restrict the first middle portion 220and the second middle portion 230 from separating. Alternately, adifferent mechanism may be used to prevent or restrict the first middleportion 220 from separating from an adjacent portion of a self-lockingtelescopic leg.

The tube 264 may include one or more openings 450 substantially oppositethe collar assembly 250 b which may be configured to allow one or morebearings 455 to bind between a lock device 475 a (depicted in FIG. 4a )or a lock device 475 b (depicted in FIG. 4b ) and the tube of anadjacent portion of a self-locking telescopic leg, such as tube 262 ofFIG. 2. In some embodiments, the openings 450 may be shaped and/orconfigured to restrict and/or guide the motion of the bearings 455 suchthat the bearings may roll or otherwise move within the boundary createdby the openings 450. For example, the bearings 455 and a ramp 460 (e.g.a ramp 460 a of FIG. 4a and/or a ramp 460 b of FIG. 4b ) may be sizedsuch that as the bearings 455 roll along the ramp 460 and such that thebearings 455 remain in the openings 450. While the one or more openings450 are depicted as rounded rectangles, different shapes are also withinthe scope of the present disclosure. While the one or more bearings 455are depicted as spherical in shape, different shapes may be used.

The lock device 475 a depicted in FIG. 4a may include the ramp 460 a anda plug 465 a. The ramp 460 a may be conical, frustoconical, pyramidal,or an irregular shape. The ramp 460 a may include a first ramp end witha narrow diameter and a second ramp end with a wider diameter. In theseand other embodiments, the second ramp end may be sized according to thesize of the tube 264. For example, the second ramp end may have adiameter such that a radius of the second ramp end may fill asubstantial radial portion of the tube 264, such as, without limitation,approximately between fifty and ninety percent of the tube 264, orbetween thirty and ninety-nine percent of the tube 264. The ramp 460 amay be configured to allow the one or more bearings 455 to roll alongthe ramp 460 a when a leg of which the first middle portion 220 is apart is extended, such as the self-locking telescopic leg 110 of FIG. 2.The plug 465 a may be configured to prevent or restrict the one or morebearings 455 from moving from the tube 264 to an adjacent tube, such asthe tube 262 of FIG. 2. Additionally or alternatively, the plug 465 amay work cooperatively with the ramp 460 a to retain the bearings 455within a space defined longitudinally by a wide end of the ramp 460 aand the plug 465 a.

A gasket 470 a may be placed around the ramp 460 a adjacent to the plug465 a and may be configured to allow quicker locking of the leg 110 andto eliminate or reduce rattling of the one or more bearings 455. Thelock device 475 a may be held in place in relation to the tube 264through the use of a pin (not expressly depicted in FIG. 4a ) that maybe inserted through a pin opening 440 on the tube 264 and a pin opening435 a on the lock device 475 a. While the pin opening 440 is depicted ina stop ring opening 485 b, it may also be located on the main body ofthe tube 264 or in another location. While the pin opening 440 and pinopening 435 a are depicted as having a circular cross section, othercross-sectional areas may also be used. The one or more openings 450,one or more bearings 455, lock device 475 a, pin openings 435 a and 440,and pin may form a lock mechanism 490 a that may prevent or restrict thefirst middle portion 220 from retracting with respect to an adjacentportion of a self-locking telescopic leg, such as the upper portion 210of FIG. 2.

The lock device 475 b depicted in FIG. 4b may include the ramp 460 b anda plug 465 b that may be analogous to the ramp 460 a and the plug 465 a.A washer 470 b may be placed around the ramp 460 b adjacent to the plug465 b that may be configured to allow quicker locking of the leg 110 andto eliminate or reduce rattling of the one or more bearings 455. Thelock device 475 b may include a spring 495 b which may be configured tobias the washer 470 b towards the wide end of the ramp 460 b. Biasingthe washer 470 b towards the wide end of the ramp 460 b may bias the oneor more bearings 455 towards the wide end of the ramp 460 b, which mayhelp lock the leg 110.

The lock device 475 b may be held in place in relation to the tube 264through the use of a pin, a tension fit, or any other connectionmechanism. For example, the lock device 475 b may be held in place bythe use of a stop ring 480 b which may rest upon a stop ring opening 485b. The stop ring opening 485 b may be part of the plug 465 b or may bepart of the tube 264, or any other component such that the stop ring 480b may maintain the lock device 475 b in place. Additionally oralternatively, the lock device 475 b may be held in place in relation tothe tube 264 through the use of a pin (not expressly depicted in FIG. 4b) that may be inserted through a pin opening 440 on the tube 264 and apin opening 435 b on the lock device 475 b. The one or more openings450, one or more bearings 455, lock device 475 b, stop ring opening 485b, etc. may form a lock mechanism 490 b that may prevent or restrict theupper portion 210 and the first middle portion 220 from retracting.

A stop ring 480 a and the stop ring 480 b of both FIGS. 4a and 4b may beconfigured to be placed in a stop ring opening 485 a and the stop ringopening 485 b, respectively. The stop rings 480 a and 480 b incombination with the collar assembly 250 a may be configured to preventthe first middle portion 220 and an adjacent portion, such as the upperportion 210 of FIG. 2, from separating. The stop ring 480 b may alsofacilitate the lock device 475 b staying in place.

In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 490 a and 490 b may beself-locking. For example, using the spring 495 b or simply by rollingalong the ramp 460 a or 460 b, the bearings 455 may lock tubes inlocation relative to each other without a user of the device invokingany button, switch, lever, feature, or other mechanism to lock the tubesin location. Additionally or alternatively, the lock mechanism 490 a and490 b may allow for an infinite number of adjustable lengths within theextension range of the tubes.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the exampleembodiments of the first middle portion 220 of FIGS. 4a and 4b withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, thefirst middle portion 220 may include either of the lock mechanisms 490 aor 490 b, or variations thereof. As another example, rather than thespring 495 b in FIG. 4b , any biasing mechanism, member, or apparatusmay be used. For example, magnetic forces, electrical forces, or otherforces generated by aligning or switching polarities may be used to biasthe bearings 455 towards the wide end of the ramp 460 b. Additionally,the visual depiction of the first middle portion 220 is for examplepurposes of describing principles of some embodiments of the presentdisclosure and is not limiting. Any number of visual appearances of afirst middle portion are within the scope of the present disclosure

FIGS. 5a and 5b depict example embodiments of a second middle portion230 of a self-locking telescopic leg, such as the leg 110 of FIG. 2. Thesecond middle portion 230 may be substantially similar in form,function, and/or operation to the first middle portion 220 of FIGS. 4aand 4b . For example, the second middle portion 230 of FIGS. 5a and 5bmay be slidably coupled with the first middle portion 220 of FIGS. 4aand 4b such that the second middle portion 230 may be substantiallydisposed within the first middle portion 220 in a collapsed state, ormay be extended such that a substantial length of the second middleportion 230 is disposed outside of the first middle portion 220.

FIGS. 6a and 6b depict a cross-sectional view of a lock mechanism 590 aand 590 b, respectively that may be present in a portion (such as thefirst middle portion 220, the second middle portion 230, etc. of FIG. 2)of a self-locking telescopic leg 600 a and 600 b, respectively (such asthe leg 110 of FIG. 2). While described pertaining to a link between twomiddle portions, such as the first middle portion 220 and the secondmiddle portion 230 of FIG. 2, identical or similar connections may befound between any adjacent portions, such as between the upper portion210 and the first middle portion 220 of FIG. 2 or between other middleportions if there are more than two middle portions, etc. The collarassembly 250 b on the tube 264 combined with the stop ring 580 a on thetube 266 may be configured to prevent or restrict the first middleportion 220 and second middle portion 230 from fully separating. As thetube 266 is extended away from the tube 264, the stop ring 580 a maycome into contact with the wiper 410, preventing or restricting anyfurther extension of the tube 266.

In some embodiments, the pin opening 535 a of the lock mechanism 590 amay be aligned and/or sized with the pin opening 540 of the tube 266such that a pin may be fit inside pin openings 540 and 535 a, which maykeep the lock mechanism 590 a in a stationary position relative to thetube 266. While the alignment and position of a pin may be describedwith respect to components illustrated in FIG. 6a , the same principlesare equally applicable to FIG. 6 b.

The lock mechanism 590 a depicted in FIG. 6a may include the tubes 264and 266, one or more openings 550, one or more bearings 555, ramp 560 a,plug 565 a, and gasket 570 a. As the tube 266 is extended relative tothe tube 264 such that a larger portion of the tube 266 is no longerdisposed within the tube 264, the one or more bearings 555 may beconfigured to roll along the ramp 560 a away from the wide end of theramp 560 a of the plug 565 a, which may allow free extension of the tube266 relative to the tube 264. However, when a retractive force isapplied to the tube 266 relative to the tube 264, the one or morebearings 555 may be configured to roll along the ramp 560 a towards thewide end of the ramp 560 a such that the bearings 555 may contact aninterior wall of the tube 264 through the one or more openings 550. Suchinterference may create pressure between the one or more bearings 555,the ramp 560 a, and the interior wall of the tube 264. Such pressure mayrestrict motion of the tubes 264 and 266 relative to each other (forexample by counteracting, resisting, or overcoming the retractiveforce), and may lock the tubes 264 and 266 in location relative to eachother. The gasket 570 a may be configured to allow quicker locking ofthe tubes 264 and 266 and eliminate or reduce rattling of the bearings555.

The lock mechanism 590 b depicted in FIG. 6b may involve the tubes 264and 266, one or more openings 550, one or more bearings 555, a ramp 560b, plug 565 b, and a washer 570 b. As the tube 266 is extended relativeto the tube 264 such that a larger portion of the tube 266 is no longerdisposed within the tube 264, the one or more bearings 555 may beconfigured to roll along the ramp 560 b away from the wide end of theramp 560 b of the plug 565 b and into the spring 595 b, which may allowfree extension of the tube 266 relative to the tube 264. However, when aretractive force is applied to the tube 266 relative to the tube 264,the one or more bearings 555 may be configured to roll along the ramp560 b (either with assistance from the spring 595 b or withoutassistance) and in the direction of the bias of the spring 595 b andcontact the interior wall of the tube 264 through the one or moreopenings 550, such interference creating pressure between the one ormore bearings 555, the ramp 560 b, and the interior wall of the tube264. Such pressure may restrict motion of the tubes 264 and 266 relativeto each other (for example by counteracting, resisting, or overcomingthe retractive force), and may lock the tubes 264 and 266 in locationrelative to each other. In some embodiments, the spring 595 b may createadditional pressure to more strongly lock the tubes 264 and 266 inlocation relative to each other. The washer 570 b may be configured toallow quicker locking of the tubes 264 and 266 and eliminate or reducerattling of the bearings 555.

In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 590 a and 590 b may beself-locking. For example, using the spring 595 b or simply by rollingalong the ramp 560 a or 560 b, the bearings 555 may lock the tubes 264and 266 in location relative to each other without a user of the deviceinvoking any button, switch, lever, feature, or other mechanism to lockthe tubes 264 and 266 in location. Additionally or alternatively, thelock mechanism 590 a and 590 b may allow for an infinite number ofadjustable lengths within the extension range of the tubes 264 and 266.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the second middleportion 230 of FIG. 5a or 5 b and/or the lock mechanism 590 a or 590 bof FIG. 6a or 6 b without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. Any number of visual appearances of a middle portion and/ora lock mechanism are within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of a lower portion 240 of aself-locking telescopic leg, such as the leg 110 of FIG. 2. The lowerportion 240 of the leg 110 may include a tube 268. The tube 268 may be astraight cylinder as depicted in FIG. 7 or the tube 268 may have anyother cross-sectional shape and longitudinal curvature. A leg releaseknob 730 may be placed at one end of the tube 268, and/or may bedisposed partially up the tube 268. The leg release knob 730 may beattached to the tube 268 through an opening 735. A foot 710 may beplaced below the leg release knob 730 at the end of the tube 268. Thefoot 710 may be attached to the tube 268 through the opening 715. Whilethe openings 715 and 735 may be depicted with a given shape, any shapemay be used and/or any other mechanism may be used to couple the foot710 and/or the release knob 730 to the tube 268.

A spring 725 and a release rod 720 may be disposed inside the tube 268,with the spring 725 contacting both the foot 710 and the release rod720. For example, the spring 725 may be disposed between the foot 710and the release rod 720 such that a spring force of the spring 725 maybias the release rod 720 away from the foot 710. Additionally oralternatively, any biasing mechanism, member, or apparatus may be usedto cause the release rod 720 to be biased away from the foot 710. Inthese and other embodiments, the lower portion 240 may include aretention member 770 that may be configured to retain the spring 725within the tube 268. In some embodiments, the lower portion 240 may notinclude the retention member 770. Additionally or alternatively, thelower portion 240 may or may not include a set screw 705 that may bedisposed proximate the spring 725, for example, between the spring 725and the retention member 770. The set screw 705 may be configured toadjust the tension of the spring 725, although any other mechanism orfeature may also be used to adjust the tension of the spring 725, or maybe omitted. While the release rod 720 may be depicted as a straightcylinder, the release rod 720 may have any other cross-sectional shapeand longitudinal curvature.

In some embodiments, the release rod 720 may be coupled to the legrelease knob 730 through the use of a pin (not expressly depicted inFIG. 7) through an opening 795 on the leg release knob 730, the opening735, and the opening 740. The leg release knob 730, opening 735, opening740, release rod 720, spring 725, foot 710, and opening 715 may beconfigured as a release mechanism 745, which may be configured to allowthe release rod 720 to slide slightly towards the foot 710 relative withthe tube 268 when a user exerts force on the leg release knob 730 but tobe biased away from the foot 710 otherwise. The opening 735 may serve asa guide and/or stop for the pin coupling the leg release knob 730 to therelease rod 720, likewise guiding and/or stopping the related motion ofthe release rod 720 relative to the tube 268. While the opening 735 isdepicted as a rounded rectangle, different shapes are also within thescope of the present disclosure. While the opening 740 is depicted witha circular cross-section, other cross-sections are also within the scopeof the present disclosure. The release mechanism 745 may be configuredto allow portions of a self-locking telescopic leg to be retracted, suchas the first middle portion 220, the second middle portion 230, and thelower portion 240.

The tube 268 may include one or more openings 750 substantially oppositethe release mechanism 745, which may be configured to allow one or morebearings 755 to bind between a lock device 775 and the tube 266 (notexpressly depicted in FIG. 7) in which the tube 268 may be disposed asillustrated in FIG. 2. While the one or more openings 750 are depictedas circles, different shapes are also within the scope of the presentdisclosure. While the one or more bearings 755 are depicted as sphericalin shape, different shapes may be used. The lock device 775 may includea ramp 760 and a plug 765. The lock device 775 may be an integrated partof the release rod 720, substantially opposite where the release rod 720may contact the spring 725. The lock device 775 may also be implementedas one or more separate components from the release rod 720. The ramp760 may be conical, frustoconical, pyramidal, or some other regular orirregular shape. The ramp 760 may be configured to allow the one or morebearings 755 to roll along the ramp 760 when a leg of which the lowerportion 240 is a part is extended, such as the self-locking telescopicleg 110 of FIG. 2. The ramp 760 may include a first ramp end with anarrow diameter and a second ramp end with a wider diameter. In theseand other embodiments, the second ramp end may be sized according to thesize of the tube 268. For example, the second ramp end may have adiameter such that a radius of the second ramp end may fill asubstantial radial portion of the tube 268, such as, without limitation,approximately between fifty and ninety percent of the tube 268, orbetween thirty and ninety-nine percent of the tube 264. The plug 765 maybe configured to prevent or restrict the bearings 755 from moving fromthe tube 268 to an adjacent tube, such as the tube 266 of FIG. 2. Agasket may be placed around the ramp 760 adjacent to the plug 765 thatmay be configured to allow quicker locking of the leg 110 and toeliminate or reduce rattling of the one or more bearings 755. The lockdevice 775 may be held in place in relation to the tube 268 through thebias action of the spring 725. The one or more openings 750, the one ormore bearings 755, and the lock device 775 may form a lock mechanism 790that may prevent or restrict the lower portion 240 from retractingrelative to an adjacent portion, such as the second middle portion 230of FIG. 2. A stop ring 780 a and a stop ring 780 b may be configured tobe disposed in a stop ring opening 785 a and a stop ring opening 785 b.The stop rings 780 a and 780 b in combination with a collar assembly ofan adjacent portion, such as the collar assembly 250 c of the secondmiddle portion 230 of FIG. 2, may be configured to prevent or restrictthe lower portion 240 from separating from the adjacent portion, such asthe second middle portion 230. Alternatively or additionally, adifferent mechanism may be used to prevent or restrict the portions fromseparating.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the lower portion240 of FIG. 7 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, any configuration and/or structure of the foot710 and/or the leg release knob 730 may be utilized. Additionally, thevisual depiction of the lower portion 240 is for example purposes ofdescribing principles of some embodiments of the present disclosure andis not limiting. Any number of visual appearances of a lower portion arestill within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate, among other things, the operation oflock mechanisms as they are released and/or unlocked, in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8a illustrates the lockmechanism 790 of FIG. 7 and the collar assembly 250 c with respect totubes 266 and 268 of FIG. 2. FIGS. 8b and 8c illustrate the lockmechanisms 590 a and 590 b of FIGS. 5a and 5b (respectively), and thetubes 264, 266, and 268 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lock mechanism 790 ofFIG. 7 on a lower portion (such as the lower portion 240 of FIG. 2) of aself-locking telescopic leg (such as the leg 110 of FIG. 2) in an unlockconfiguration. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 790 may beconfigured such that as the release rod 720 is moved away from the tube266, one or more bearings 755 may roll along a ramp 760 towards a plug765 such that the one or more bearings 755 may not lock or otherwiserestrict the motion of the tube 268 relative to the tube 266, even ifthe tube 268 is retracted further within the tube 266.

A collar assembly 250 c (e.g. the collar assembly 250 c of FIG. 2) on atube 266 in combination with the stop ring 780 a on a tube 268 may beconfigured to prevent or restrict the tube 266 and the tube 268 fromfully separating. For example, as the tube 268 is extended away from thetube 266, the stop ring 780 a may come into contact with the wiper 510,preventing or restricting any further extension of the tube 268.

The lock mechanism 790 may include the tubes 266 and 268, one or moreopenings 750, one or more bearings 755, a ramp 760, and a plug 765. Asthe tube 268 is extended away from the tube 266, the one or morebearings 755 may be configured to roll along the ramp 760 towards theplug 765, which may allow free extension of the tube 268. However, whena retractive force is applied to the tube 268 relative to the tube 266,the one or more bearings 755 may be configured to roll along the ramp760 towards a wide end of the ramp 760 such that the bearings 755 maycontact the interior wall of the tube 266 through the one or moreopenings 750, such interference creating pressure between the one ormore bearings 755, the ramp 760, and the tube 266. Such pressure maylock or otherwise restrict motion of the tubes 266 and 268 relative toeach other (for example by counteracting, resisting, or overcoming theretractive force). A gasket may be configured to allow quicker lockingof the tubes 266 and 268 and eliminate or reduce rattling of the one ormore bearings 755.

When a leg release knob (such as the leg release knob 730 of FIG. 7) ispulled, an associated spring (such as the spring 725 of FIG. 7) may nolonger exert force on a release rod 720, which may cause gravity to pullthe release rod 720 towards a foot (such as the foot 710 of FIG. 7) andallow the one or more bearings 755 to roll along the ramp 760 and awayfrom the tube 266, allowing the tube 268 to be retracted into the tube266. While gravity is described as the force to pull the release rod 720towards the foot, any other mechanism and/or feature may be used to pullthe release rod 720 towards the foot. For example, the release rod 720may be biased by a spring with a lower spring force than the spring 725such that as the spring 725 is overcome by force of a user, the springwith the lower spring force may push the release rod 720 towards thefoot. As another example, the leg release knob 730 may be coupled withthe release rod 720 such that as the leg release knob 730 is pulledtowards the foot, the release rod 720 may also be pulled towards thefoot such that the one or more bearings 755 may roll along the ramp 760towards the plug 765.

FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate a cross-sectional view of exampleembodiments of the lock mechanism 790 associated with the tubes 266 and268, which may be present in a portion of a self-locking telescopic leg800, and the lock mechanisms 590 a (FIG. 8b ) and 590 b (FIG. 8c )associated with the tubes 264 and 266, which may be present in a portionof a self-locking telescopic leg 850 b and 850 c, respectively. Afterthe tube 268 is fully or substantially retracted into the tube 266, thetube 268 may be spaced, shaped, and/or configured to come into contactwith the one or more bearings 555. The tube 268 may push the one or morebearings 555 along the ramp 560 a (FIG. 8b ) or the ramp 560 b (FIG. 8c) away from a wide end of the ramp 560 a or 560 b, releasing the one ormore bearings 555 from locking or otherwise restricting the motion ofthe tube 266 relative to the tube 264. For example, releasing the one ormore bearings 555 may allow retraction of the tube 266 into the tube264. In some embodiments, after each tube is fully retracted orsubstantially retracted into the next larger tube, the tube justretracted may push against the bearings of the locking mechanism for thenext larger tube such that the next larger tube may be retracted.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8c , the tube 268 may be retractedwith sufficient force to compress a spring 595 of the locking mechanism590 b before the one or more bearings 555 may roll along the ramp 560 btowards the spring 595.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the embodimentsillustrated in FIG. 8a, 8b , or 8 c without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Additionally, the visual depiction of theillustrated embodiments is for example purposes of describing principlesof some embodiments of the present disclosure and is not limiting. Anynumber of visual appearances of the embodiments are still within thescope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate a front view and a rear view, respectively,of the torso 120 of FIG. 1 of an adjustable bipod. The torso 120 mayinclude a connection block 910 that may be configured to connect theadjustable bipod 100 to an object like a firearm, a camera, binoculars,a monocular, a scope, etc. A release button 930 may be configured toallow easy removal of the adjustable bipod 100 from the supportedobject. An axle assembly 940 may be configured to connect an axle block920 and articulating pelvic block assembly 970, as well as to enable theconnection block 910 and the supported object to tilt from side to side.A tension nut 980 may allow the user to alter the tension to change thetilt of the connection block 910. The axle block 920 may be configuredto connect an axle assembly 940 to the connection block 910. Suchrotational movement may allow for leveling of a supported object such asa camera or firearm. For example, if one leg of an adjustable bipod ispositioned at a higher height than the other leg due to the terrain onwhich the adjustable bipod is being used, the axle block 920 and thusthe connection block 910 may not be level with the ground when in adefault position. As a result, the supported object may not be levelwith the ground. By adjusting the tension nut 980, it may be possible torotate the axle block 920 and thus the connection block 910 and thesupported object to make them level with the ground.

A spreader pin hole 950 and a spreader pin and ring 955 may beconfigured to allow a user to change an angle 990 between the twoself-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b when they are in a deployedposition. The angle 990 may be modified by varying the angle betweencomponents of the pelvic block assembly 970. Hip blocks 330 a and 330 bmay be configured to connect the two self-locking telescopic legs 110 aand 110 b to the pelvic block assembly 970, and thus to the axleassembly 940. The pelvic block assembly 970 may include reinforcingplates 975 a and 975 b (described in further detail with respect to FIG.15).

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the torso 120illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure. For example, any configuration, shape, or collectionof features of the torso 120 may be used to couple a supported object tothe self-locking telescopic legs 110 a and 110 b. The embodimentillustrated may provide additional features but are not necessary.Additionally, the visual depiction of the torso 120 is for examplepurposes of describing principles of some embodiments of the presentdisclosure and is not limiting. Any number of visual appearances of atorso are still within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example configuration of an adapter 1000. Theadapter 1000 may be configured to attach to a supported object such as afirearm, a camera, etc. and may be configured to allow the connectionblock 910 (for example the connection block 910 of FIG. 11) to becoupled with the supported object. The adapter 1000 may include one ormore lock and release openings 1010. The lock and release openings 1010,when combined with a release button (such as the release button 930 ofFIGS. 9a and 9b ) may be configured to enable a torso (such as the torso120 of FIG. 1) to connect to a supported object by the connection block910 (such as the connection block 910 of FIG. 11) connecting to adapter1000. Holes 1030 a and/or 1030 b may allow a user to connect the adapter1000 to a firearm or other supported object. Alternately, a differentconnection mechanism may also be employed to attach the adapter 1000 toa firearm or other supported object. When the adapter 1000 is configuredto connect to a firearm, the adapter 1000 may take the shape of astandard Picatinny rail. In some embodiments, the adapter 1000 may alsoinclude a sling attach point 1020 that may be configured to allowattachment of a sling for carrying the supported object.

FIG. 11 depicts an example configuration of the connection block 910 ofFIGS. 9a and 9b . The connection block 910 may be configured to enable atorso such as the torso 120 of FIGS. 9a and 9b to attach to and detachfrom a supported object. For example in the illustrated embodiment, theconnection block 910 may be configured to attach to and detach from theadapter 1000 of FIG. 10, which may be attached to a firearm or othersupported object. The connection block 910 may be configured to slideonto any suitable rail, for example the adapter 1000. When configuredfor use with firearms, connection block 910 may take the shape of astandard Picatinny rail receiving-block. Holes 1110 and 1120 may beconfigured to allow the block to be coupled to the axle block 920 ofFIGS. 9a and 9b . While holes 1110 and 1120 are depicted with circularcross-sections, different cross-sectional shapes are also within thescope of the present disclosure. Opening 1130 may be configured toenable the connection block 910 to lock on a rail, any supported object,or adapter 1000 through the use of the release button 930 (such as therelease button 930 of FIG. 12).

FIG. 12 illustrated an example configuration of the release button 930.The release button 930 may be configured to both lock and unlock theconnection between the connection block 910 of FIGS. 9a and 9b and arail, any supported object, or the adapter 1000 of FIG. 10. The releasebutton 930 may include a hole 1210 about which the release button 930may pivot or for coupling the release button 930 to one or more othercomponents of the torso 120. Additionally or alternatively, the releasebutton 930 may be coupled to a spring to bias the release button in aparticular orientation, such as locked, and the spring may be coupled tothe release button 930 via the hole 1210.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example configuration of the axle block 920,which may be configured to connect the connection block 910 of FIG. 11to the axle assembly 940 of FIG. 14. Holes 1330 and/or 1340 may beconfigured to allow the connection block 910 (such as FIG. 11) to beconnected to axle block 920 on top of block seating area 1350. Therelease button 930 may be positioned in a release button opening 1310.The axle assembly 940 (illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 14) mayconnect through an axle block axle hole 1320. The shapes depicted inFIG. 13 are exemplary only and other potential shapes are possible forthe different parts of the axle block.

In some embodiments, the release button 930 may be coupled to a spring1360 which may bias the release button 930 towards a middle of theconnection block 910 (for example, the connection block 910 shown inFIG. 11). Using the spring 1360, the release button 930 may be pushedand/or pulled away from the middle of the connection block 910 to allowa rail or other supported object to enter the connection block 910, andwhen released, the spring 1360 may bias the release button 930 such thatthe release button 930 engages the rail or other supported object now inthe connection block 910.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example configuration of the axle assembly 940,which may be configured to connect articulating pelvic blocks (such asthose in the pelvic block assembly 970 of FIG. 9b ) to an axle block(such as the axle block 920 of FIGS. 9a and 9b ). The axle assembly 940may also be configured to allow rotational movement between thearticulating pelvic blocks and the axle block, which may allow a firearmor other supported object attached to a connection block to tilt fromside to side. An axle 1410 may be inserted into an articulating pelvicblock assembly axle hole (such as articulating pelvic block assemblyaxle hole 1850 of FIG. 18) and through an axle block axle hole (such asthe axle block axle hole 1320 of FIG. 13). The tension nut 980 may beconnected to the axle 1410 on the rear side of a torso (such as thetorso 120 of FIG. 9b ). A nut 1460 may be connected to the axle 1410after the tension nut 980. Washers 1420, 1430, and 1450 may be used onthe axle 1410 between the pelvic block assembly (e.g. the pelvic blockassembly 970 illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 15) and the axleblock (e.g. the axle block 920 of FIG. 13). The washer 1430 may be acurved disk spring washer as depicted in FIG. 14 or may be a plainwasher or any other type of washer. A half-circle 1440 may be referredto as a Woodruff Key and may be configured to lock the axle block (e.g.the axle block 920) and the axle 1410 together.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments,rather than the half-circle 1440 Woodruff Key, a set screw may beutilized to allow rotational movement between the articulating pelvicblocks and the axle block. For example, a seat on the axle 1410 mayreceive a set screw such that the set screw, traversing the axle block920, may couple the axle block 920 and the axle 1410 such that as theaxle 1410 is rotated, the axle block 920 may also be rotated.Additionally or alternatively, the set screw may be loosened such thatthe axle 1410 may rotate independently of the axle block 920.Additionally, the visual depiction of the embodiments illustrated is forexample purposes of describing principles of some embodiments of thepresent disclosure and is not limiting. Any number of visual appearancesof the illustrated embodiments are still within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example configuration of the articulating pelvicblock assembly 970, which may couple hip blocks (such as the hip blocks330 a and 330 b of FIG. 3 and/or FIGS. 9a and 9b ) to an axle block(such as the axle block 920 of FIGS. 9a and 9b ) by use of the axleassembly 940. The pelvic block assembly 970 may include two pelvicblocks 1510 a and 1510 b to which the hip blocks may attach through ahip block attachment hole 1530 (the corresponding hole on 1510 a notexpressly depicted in FIG. 15). The hip blocks 1510 a and 1510 b mayinclude reinforcing plates 975 a and 975 b, respectively. The pelvicblock assembly 970 may be configured to allow legs coupled to the pelvicblocks 1510 a and 1510 b to spread open when the legs are in a deployedposition, for example, by increasing the angle 990 between the legswhile the legs are in the deployed position. The spreader pin hole 950may be configured to receive a spreader ring and pin (for example, aspreader ring and pin as illustrated in FIG. 16), which may lock thelegs at a standard angle 990 in the deployed position. When the spreaderring and pin are removed, the pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510 b may berotated about the axle assembly 940, increasing the angle 990 andwidening the angle between the legs. The spreading of the legs may alsobe prevented or restricted by the contact of the two pelvic blocks 1510a and 1510 b, which may limit either or both of a minimum or a maximumangle. As the legs spread further apart, parts of the pelvic blocks 1510a and 1510 b may come into contact with each other, preventing orrestricting any further rotation of the pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510 babout the axle assembly 940. In addition, converging the legs in orderto insert the spreader pin and ring into the spreader hole 950 or foranother reason may eventually be prevented or restricted by the contactof the two pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510 b. As the legs converge,decreasing the angle 990 between the legs, parts of the pelvic blocks1510 a and 1510 b may come into contact with each other, preventing orrestricting any further rotation of the pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510 babout the axle assembly 940.

In addition, the pelvic block assembly 970 may allow the legs to rotateforward or backward. Pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510 b may include one ormore indents 1520, which may be configured to allow the legs to belocked in different positions. As depicted, the indents 1520 may allowthe legs to be locked in three positions: forward, deployed, andbackward. Additional indents 1520 may also be added to the pelvic blocks1510 a and 1510 b to provide more options or fewer indents 1520 couldalso be used. In these and other embodiments, the reinforcing plates 975a and 975 b may be shaped, constructed, and/or configured to reinforcethe pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510 b. For example, the reinforcing plates975 a and 975 b may be constructed of stainless steel such that as thelegs are rotated forward or backward and engage the indents 1520, thereinforcing plates 975 a and 975 b may receive and bear some or all ofthe forces applied to the pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510 b.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the pelvic blockassembly 970 illustrated in FIG. 15 without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Additionally, the visual depiction of the pelvicblock assembly 970 is for example purposes of describing principles ofsome embodiments of the present disclosure and is not limiting. Anynumber of visual appearances of a pelvic block assembly are still withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example configuration of a spreader pin and ring955, which may be configured to lock legs of a bipod in a standardposition. The spreader pin and ring 955 may include a spreader pin 1610and a spreader ring 1620. The spreader pin 1610 may be inserted into thespreader pin hole 950 to prevent or restrict pelvic blocks and any legscoupled to the pelvic blocks (such as the pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510b of FIG. 15 and/or the legs 110 a and 110 b of FIGS. 9a and 9b ) fromspreading apart from each other. When the spreader pin 1610 is removedfrom a spreader hole (such as the spreader pin hole 950 of FIG. 9a ),the pelvic blocks may be able to rotate around an axle assembly toincrease or decrease an angle between the legs. The spreader ring 1620may provide a grip for an individual to remove or insert the spreaderpin and ring 1600 into the spreader pin hole 950.

In some embodiments, the spreader pin and ring 955 may include a spring1630 and the spreader pin 1610 may be sized and/or configured such thatthe spreader pin and ring 955 may not disengage from the pelvic blockassembly 970 as the spreader pin 1610 is removed from the spreader pinhole 950. For example, the spreader ring 1620 may be pulled to overcomea spring force of the spring 1630, removing the spreader pin 1610 fromthe spreader pin hole 950 and allowing the pelvic blocks 1510 a and 1510b to rotate about the axle assembly 940. As the pelvic blocks 1510 a and1510 b rotate, an additional spreader pin hole may align with thespreader pin 1610 and the spring force of the spring 1630 may reinsertthe spreader pin 1610 into the additional hole, locking the pelvicblocks 1510 a and 1510 b in the new orientation.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example configuration of a hip block 330 (such asthe hip block 330 of FIG. 3), which may couple a leg to a pelvic block.An opening 1710 may be configured to provide a mechanism for the hipblock 330 to couple to a pelvic block (such as the pelvic blocks 1510 aand 1510 b of FIG. 15). In some embodiments, the opening 1710 may beelongated to allow a user to change the legs between different positionssuch as forward, deployed, and backward. A locking hole 1720, whencombined with a locking pin (for example, the locking pin 1840 asdepicted in FIG. 18), may be configured to provide a locking mechanismto lock the legs in different positions. While the locking hole 1720 isdepicted with a circular cross-section, it may have any cross-sectionalarea. A hole 1730 may be configured to accept an upper portion of theleg. While the hole 1730 is depicted with a circular cross-section, itmay also have any cross-sectional area to match the cross-section of theleg.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example configuration of the pelvic block 1510 band the hip block 330 b. The hip block 330 b may be coupled to thepelvic block 1510 b by a shoulder bolt 1810 and a washer 1820 through anopening on the hip block 330 b and hip block attachment hole 1530 on thepelvic block 1510 b. The hip block 330 b may include a spring 1830,which may be configured to bias the hip block 330 b in any position, forexample, forward, deployed, or backward. A different biasing mechanism,member, or apparatus may be used. A user may exert force to compress thespring 1830 and allow the position of the hip block 330 b to change. Apin 1840, which may be inserted into the locking hole 1720, may beconfigured to provide the locking mechanism for the position of the hipblock 330 b. The pin 1840 may be configured to fit inside indents 1520,which may lock the position of the hip block 330 b relative to thepelvic block 1510 b.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. For example, any mechanism may be used to couplethe hip block 330 to the leg. As another example, the spring 1630 may beomitted, or any other biasing mechanism or member may be used to preventthe spreader pin and ring 955 from disengaging from the pelvic blockassembly 970 while removing the spreader pin 1610 from the spreader pinhole 950. Additionally, the visual depiction of the embodimentsillustrated is for example purposes of describing principles of someembodiments of the present disclosure and is not limiting. Any number ofvisual appearances of the illustrated embodiments are still within thescope of the present disclosure.

While the examples in the present disclosure may be described in thecontext of bipods, a device with any number of telescoping legs isspecifically contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.For example, such a device may include any number of telescopic legs,such as one, two, three, or more. Additionally, even if utilizing aslight modification to implement various features, aspects, and/orcharacteristics of the present disclosure, any of such features,aspects, and/or characteristics of the present disclosure are equallyapplicable to a device with any number of telescopic legs, such as,without limitation, rotating or biasing the legs to a particularposition, utilizing a locking pin to rapidly spread the legs, orchanging the tilt of an object supported by such a device.

Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appendedclaims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as“open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as“including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpretedas “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as“includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitationis explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that suchrecitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” isused, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA, B, and C together, etc.

Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or morealternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including oneof the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, thephrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosureare intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understandingthe present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor tofurthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitationto such specifically recited examples and conditions. Althoughembodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail,various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made heretowithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An adjustable support device comprising: atorso; a first leg coupled to the torso and configured to be extended todifferent lengths in a direction away from the torso, the first legcomprising: a first tube; a second tube, the first tube slidablydisposed inside of the second tube; a lock device disposed within thefirst tube and the second tube, the lock device comprising: a ramp witha first ramp end and a second ramp end, the second ramp end wider thanthe first ramp end, and the first ramp end oriented towards the torso,the ramp including a taper portion that tapers from the second ramp endto the first ramp end; one or more bearings sized to contact the taperportion of the ramp and at least an interior wall of the second tube asthe one or more bearings move away from the first ramp end and approachthe second ramp end such that as the one or more bearings contact thetaper portion of the ramp and the interior wall of the second tube,interference of the one or more bearings with the interior wall of thesecond tube increases to inhibit motion of the first tube relative tothe second tube; and a third tube with a proximate end towards the torsoand a distal end away from the torso, the third tube slidably disposedinside of the first tube such that as the third tube is slid towards thetorso, the proximate end of the third tube pushes the one or morebearings towards the first ramp end.
 2. The adjustable support device ofclaim 1, wherein the torso further comprises a pelvic block assemblyconfigured to position the first leg in a deployed, forward, or backwardposition.
 3. The adjustable support device of claim 2, furthercomprising a second leg and wherein the pelvic block assembly furthercomprises a spreader pin hole and a spreader pin configured to alter anangle between the first and second legs when the first leg is in thedeployed position.
 4. The adjustable support device of claim 3, whereinthe spreader pin locks the first and second legs into an orientationsuch that when the spreader pin is removed from the spreader pin hole,the angle between the first and second legs is allowed to be altered. 5.The adjustable support device of claim 4, wherein the adjustable supportdevice includes: a ring for gripping to pull on the spreader pin; and aspring to bias the spreader pin into the spreader pin hole.
 6. Theadjustable support device of claim 4, wherein the pelvic block assemblyfurther comprises multiple spreader pin holes, each of the multiplespreader pin holes corresponding to a given angle between the first andsecond legs such that the spreader pin, when inserted in one of themultiple spreader pin holes, locks the first and second legs at thegiven angle corresponding to the one of the multiple spreader pin holes.7. The adjustable support device of claim 1, wherein the torso furthercomprises a connection interface configured to attach to an objectsupported by the adjustable support device.
 8. The adjustable supportdevice of claim 7, wherein the torso further comprises an axle assemblyconfigured to rotate an angle of the object about the axle assembly. 9.The adjustable support device of claim 7, wherein the connectioninterface includes a Picatinny rail receiving block.
 10. The adjustablesupport device of claim 7, wherein the connection interface isconfigured to interface with at least one of a firearm, a camera,binoculars, a monocular, and a scope.
 11. The adjustable support deviceof claim 1, further comprising a biasing member configured to bias theone or more bearings towards the second ramp end.
 12. The adjustablesupport device of claim 1, further comprising: a release rod with aproximate end towards the torso and a distal end away from the torso,the release rod slidably disposed within the third tube; a release rodplug disposed at the proximate end of the release rod; a release rodramp with a third ramp end and a fourth ramp end, the fourth ramp endwider than the third ramp end, and the third ramp end coupled to therelease rod plug; one or more release rod bearings configured to rollalong the release rod ramp and sized to contact the release rod ramp andat least an interior wall of the first tube as the one or more releaserod bearings approach the fourth ramp end such that as the one or morerelease rod bearings contact the release rod ramp and the interior wallof the first tube, interference of the one or more release rod bearingswith the interior wall of the first tube inhibits motion of the thirdtube relative to the first tube; a release rod biasing member configuredto bias the release rod towards the torso of the adjustable supportdevice; and a leg release knob to overcome the release rod biasingmember and move the release rod in the direction away from the torso ofthe adjustable support device.
 13. The adjustable support device ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one additional leg.
 14. Theadjustable support device of claim 1, further comprising a second legcoupled to the torso and configured to expand away from the torso, thesecond leg comprising: a second leg first tube; a second leg secondtube, the second leg first tube slidably disposed inside of the secondleg second tube; a second leg lock device disposed within the second legfirst tube and the second leg second tube, the second leg lock devicecomprising: a second leg ramp with a second leg first ramp end and asecond leg second ramp end, the second leg second ramp end wider thanthe second leg first ramp end, and the second leg first ramp endoriented towards the torso, the second leg ramp including a second legtaper portion that tapers from the second leg second ramp end to thesecond leg first ramp end; one or more second leg bearings sized tocontact the second leg taper portion of the second leg ramp and at leastan interior wall of the second leg second tube as the one or more secondleg bearings move away from the second leg first ramp end and approachthe second leg second ramp end such that as the one or more second legbearings contact the second leg taper portion of the second leg ramp andthe interior wall of the second leg second tube, interference of the oneor more second leg bearings with the interior wall of the second legsecond tube increases to inhibit motion of the second leg first tuberelative to the second leg second tube; and a second leg third tube witha proximate end towards the torso and a distal end away from the torso,the second leg third tube slidably disposed inside of the second legfirst tube such that as the second leg third tube is slid towards thetorso, the proximate end of the second leg third tube pushes the one ormore second leg bearings towards the second leg first ramp end.
 15. Theadjustable support device of claim 1, wherein the lock device furthercomprises a plug disposed at a proximate end of the first tube, thefirst ramp end coupled to the plug.